“She’s going to change the world”: Chick-fil-A Team Member awarded $25,000 scholarship

Though there were plenty of times when she could have simply given up, Kateryna Sergyeyeva always remained focused on reaching her dream. From the conflict that raged across her homeland of Ukraine to academic setbacks, the obstacles confronting her were many. But none of that derailed her quest of pursuing a better life in the U.S. as an exchange student.

After missing out on her first attempt to qualify as an exchange student in the U.S., Sergyeyeva persisted and re-entered the following year. On her second chance, she was selected and went on to finish her high school studies in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, mastering a foreign language in the process.

Sergyeyeva is wrapping up her associate’s degree program at community college where, by her sophomore year, she was elected student government president. She plans to take a year off work as a Team Leader at Chick-fil-A while she continues her pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in business at the College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri.

“Her ability to serve and her standard of excellence make me confident that she’s going to just change the world,” said Lance Spencer, the franchise Operator of the Lee’s Summit Chick-fil-A.

This past April, Spencer surprised Sergyeyeva with the news that she had been selected as one of 13 Chick-fil-A Team Members to receive a $25,000 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Scholarship for her outstanding leadership, academic achievement and community involvement.

Watch the video to see how she reacted to the news!

The True Inspiration Scholarship is part of Chick-fil-A’s Remarkable Futures initiative. Last year, more than 5,700 Team Members received $14.65 million in scholarships. Since 1973, nearly 46,700 Team Members have been awarded $61 million in scholarships.

When she was a child, Saskya Simon’s mother used to tell her, “the difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” It’s a quote she has kept close to her heart, motivating her to work hard and be her best.